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Toyota and Engine Block Heater

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by jchristian84, Oct 24, 2008.

  1. jchristian84

    jchristian84 New Member

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    Spoke with my Toyota Dealer this morning and was informed that Toyota doesn't specifcially have a EHB for the Prius. As such they would not install any "aftermarket" product. He also informed me that if it was installed and something went wrong that the warranty would not cover repair work related to the EHB.

    Has anyone else ran into this situation? I'm going to try another Toyota Dealer in the area and see what they say.
     
  2. jchristian84

    jchristian84 New Member

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    Okay, just got off the phone with another Dealer and was basically told the same thing. Both Dealers (though I didn't put this in my original thread) said that an EHB is not necessary in the Prius due to the Coolant Storage Tank design which keeps the engine warm for 2-3 days.

    Thoughts? I'm worried about voiding warranty work! :confused:
     
  3. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Re: Stealership and Engine Block Heater

    jchristian88,

    If not previously said, Welcome to PriusChat.

    Since the EBH just plugs into a hole in the block, and uses 120V AC from a
    wall receptical, it would be interesting to know just what type of warranty
    voiding interaction/failure the stealer is contemplating. If his shop rate is
    $95/hr, he's passing up an easy C-note.

    IIRC, the most common failure for the EBH is the 120V cord at the plug
    end.

    Many, many folks here have installed an EBH following the directions in
    threads here. Use the search funtion in the blue band at the top of the
    page with " electric block heater" as the search term.

    There are two major approaches; coming down from the top -- requires
    removing the windshield wipers and two pieces of bodywork under the
    hood, which is not a big deal -- or coming up from the bottom -- which at
    the minimum requires some physical contortions to complete.

    Do you also plan on using grill blocking? If so, it would be best to also get
    a ScanGauge to monitor coolant temps. Again lots of good info available in
    existing threads.

    [Edit] Just saw your second post. "Out of the mouth of babes..." Clearly whoever
    you have spoken with doesn't drive a Prius.

    True, the thermos keeps the coolant warmer than that reamaining in the
    radiator/block. But, after a night at let's say 40 deg F., by the time the coolant
    from the thermos is mixed with the coolant in the engine/block you'll be lucky to
    see 85 deg. (you'd have to have the ScanGauge) Remember that the HSD has to
    see temps of 154-157 deg F. to be fully warmed up.

    Some start to use an EBH at 70 deg, and I think one poster uses one year 'round.

    It sounds like you'll have to go the DIY route, or use a garage/repair shop. It is
    neither difficult nor Toyota/Prius specific work.
     
  4. diamondlarry

    diamondlarry EPA MPG #'s killer

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    Toyota dealers in the USA will not even have a part number listed for the block heater. However, the Canadian dealers do and it is a genuine Toyota part. (I don't have the number with me right now) That is how I ended up getting the one that's in my '07. The coolant tank is a nice feature but the block heater definitely will help. I use it for a few hours every day of the year before I leave for work and rarely ever fail to get 50mpg or more in the first 5 minutes.
     
  5. jchristian84

    jchristian84 New Member

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    Hmm...thanks! I did notice the installation threads. But you're talking to a guy who's hobby deals with Financial Planning and Investments-not cars. Diamondlarry, if you find the Canadian part number please include it on the thread. I appreciate the feedback and help.

    [EDIT] Rokeby-LOL, I agree. Common sense tells you that the Coolant Storage probably wouldn't hold up to near zero degree temps. I wonder if they would install it based of the Toyota Canadian part? Of course, I'm not sure if it would be the best option if they don't know what they're doing.
     
  6. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Maybe we can work a deal.

    If I install your block heater, can you save my retirement accounts? :D
     
  7. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    Here is a US dealer who sells the part:

    http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=191
     
  8. FireEngineer

    FireEngineer Active Member

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    And if you buy one from Jesse at Metro Toyota or the PriusChat shop I'll come out and install it for free-since your dealers are clueless. The reason they can't find a part number is it is not a Toyota made part in their normal part catalog. They have to go to their third party part book, parts made for Toyota to their specification by a different manufacturer, and find the part number. Your dealers are just lazy.

    But if you want to try your dealers again part number is CO140-00900. Also works for the Camry, Tundra and many Lexus vehicles. Or try part number 00113-00213-00900.

    Wayne
     
  9. rpg51

    rpg51 Member

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    I installed an EBH in my Prius a couple of months ago and it works very well. We are having morning temps below freezing now and the EBH combined with a total grill block makes a world of difference in my FE and causes no troubles whatsoever.

    By the way, my wife drives a Corolla, will she experience a similar benefit in FE if I install an EBH in her verhicle? Anyone ever do an EBH install in a Corolla?
     
  10. Aces

    Aces Member

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    As for benefits from installing an EBH in a Corolla: I don't think it would help there.

    The reason it helps the Prius is because you are trying to use the ICE (gas engine) as little as possible. And Toyota set-up the ICE to run every time you start the car, until the engine reaches a specific temperature. All the EBH is doing is getting the engine closer to the needed temp. So the ICE won't run as long. So with a non-Hybrid, like the Corolla, the engine will be running anyway. So there's no MPG improvement.
     
  11. rpg51

    rpg51 Member

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    I have read some threads on other forums focused on fuel efficiency that suggest a block heater will give a conventional ICE about 5-10 minutes of more efficient operation in cold weather - is that not the case? Also I've read threads suggesting grill blocking in cold climates - all focused on keeping the ice running more efficiently even in conventional cars like the Corolla.
     
  12. bif

    bif Gas Saver

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    I bought my EBH at ther Rapid City SD dealer. It is a Toyota part that they keep in stock. I think any dealer in cold climates carry them.
    p.s. $49.95
     
  13. eagsc7

    eagsc7 Geocacher

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    What dealers are you talking to. I would NOT trust them. I was at the dealer the other day(only 2 days AFTER installing my EBH), and asked the EBH question to the mechanic that had a 09 Prius on the lift. He went over to the workbench and pulled out a box and open it up. He asked me if This one was the one that I had installed. Yes, it was. If you to the mechanic, They actually know what they are talking about.

    The Steaks
     
  14. jchristian84

    jchristian84 New Member

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    I appreciate all the feedback. "Bif"-thanks for the info, I actually have family in the area. I'm going to follow up with some more dealers here in Iowa, but otherwise I may just have to order the part myself. Thanks again!